Ndegwa Njiru challenges Aden Duale on northern frontier land ownership
By Kiprono Keileb, December 18, 2025Lawyer and human rights activist Ndegwa Njiru has raised questions over the handling of land titles in Kenya’s Northern frontier, challenging Somali community leaders to explain why the area has not seen the formal issuance of ownership documents.
In a post shared on X on Thursday, December 18, 2025, Njiru highlighted what he described as a strategy that keeps other communities from owning land in the region.
“Let’s speak it point-blank. Ever thought why the Somali community has never agitated for the issuance of title to their Northern frontier land, which is approximately 127,358.5 km²?” he wrote
Njiru suggested that the reluctance to pursue land titles may be linked to fears that outsiders could enter the region and buy land away from the community. He said the approach, whether intentional or not, effectively prevents other groups from gaining ownership in the area.
“I think they are afraid that people will penetrate there and buy the land away from them,” the statement
He further described this as a deliberate strategy, emphasising that the lack of title issuance ensures the land remains out of reach of other communities. Njiru’s comments underline long-standing debates around land distribution and ownership in marginalised and border areas of the country.
“This is a strategy to ensure that other communities are kept away from owning land in that region,” he stated
Njiru also pointed to the contrast between Northern frontier land and urban areas, noting that members of the community have purchased significant parcels of land in Nairobi and Kiambu. He used this to highlight what he sees as inconsistencies in land acquisition approaches.
“Ironical, these people have bought land in masses in Nairobi and Kiambu,” he stated
He called out the Health Cabinet Secretary for not questioning the issuance of land titles in the Northern frontier, despite defending the interests of communities in other matters.
“Aden Duale, you’re always defending your people. What have you said? Isn’t it important that you agitate for the issuance of these titles?” he questioned